Crete: Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos and Olive Oil Farm Tour

The ‘Crete: Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos and Olive Oil Farm Tour’ provides a captivating exploration of Crete’s rich heritage. Delving into the island’s history, visitors will uncover the poignant past of Spinalonga, once a leper colony, and marvel at the picturesque landscapes of Agios Nikolaos. But the journey doesn’t end there. Travelers will also discover the time-honored traditions of olive oil production at the Vasilakis Olive Oil Farm, savoring a delectable Cretan lunch amidst the serene surroundings. This comprehensive tour promises an unforgettable experience, leaving visitors with a deeper appreciation for Crete’s enduring cultural tapestry.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Tours In Agios Nikolaos.

Key Points

• This comprehensive 8-hour tour explores Crete’s cultural and historical highlights, including visits to Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos, and an olive oil farm.
• The tour, priced at $525.69 for up to 3 participants, includes hotel pickup, private air-conditioned van, and bilingual driver.
• Highlights of the tour include a visit to Vasilakis Olive Oil Farm, a tour of Panagia Kera Church, and a scenic boat tour to Spinalonga.
• The tour provides insights into Crete’s rich cultural and historical heritage, with a focus on local traditions, significant historical sites, and olive oil production.
• The tour offers a seamless and comfortable experience, with hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance fees, and complementary water included in the price.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This Crete tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the island’s cultural and historical highlights, including a visit to the former leper colony of Spinalonga, a stop at the picturesque town of Agios Nikolaos, and a tour of an olive oil farm.

Priced at $525.69 for up to 3 participants, the 8-hour tour includes hotel pickup, a private air-conditioned van, and an English and Greek-speaking driver.

Visitors will enjoy a scenic boat ride to Spinalonga, explore the island’s ruins, and discover the local culture at Panagia Kera Church and Vasilakis Olive Oil Farm.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, this tour provides a seamless and flexible experience.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour’s itinerary highlights an immersive exploration of Crete’s cultural and historical treasures, including a visit to the Vasilakis Olive Oil Farm, where guests can experience local food and traditions.

After the olive oil farm, the tour heads to the Panagia Kera Church to discover its rich history.

Then, it’s off to the stunning Mirabello Bay for a quick photo stop before visiting the charming town of Elounda.

The highlight of the day is a scenic boat tour to the former leper colony of Spinalonga, where visitors can spend 75 minutes exploring this fascinating island.

The tour concludes with free time to wander around the picturesque Agios Nikolaos Lake.

Transportation and Logistics

After exploring the cultural and historical highlights of the tour, the transportation and logistical details ensure a seamless and comfortable experience for guests.

The tour includes pickup from the hotel in a private, air-conditioned van, with an English and Greek-speaking driver who handles the fuel, tolls, taxes, and other handling charges.

Convenience and efficiency are prioritized, as the driver is knowledgeable and can provide commentary throughout the journey.

The air-conditioning in the van ensures a comfortable ride, and the included hotel pickup and drop-off service eliminates the need for guests to arrange their own transportation.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a licensed guide, complementary water, and entrance fees to all the sites visited, including the boat tour ticket to Spinalonga and the entrance fee to Spinalonga island.

This ensures that guests can focus on experiencing the highlights of the tour without worrying about additional costs.

However, the tour doesn’t cover personal expenses, tips and gratuities, meals, beverages, or alcohol.

The tour’s inclusions are:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off

• Licensed guide

• Complementary water

• Entrance fees to all sites

• Boat tour ticket to Spinalonga and entrance fee to the island

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Cultural and Historical Significance

Guests on this Crete tour can expect to enjoy the region’s rich cultural and historical heritage, with stops that showcase the local way of life and significant historical sites.

At the Vasilakis Olive Oil Farm, visitors can learn about the production of premium olive oil, a staple of the Mediterranean diet.

The Panagia Kera Church boasts impressive Byzantine architecture and frescoes, offering a glimpse into the island’s religious history.

The tour’s highlight is a visit to Spinalonga, a former leper colony with a poignant past.

Exploring Vasilakis Olive Oil Farm

How does the Vasilakis Olive Oil Farm provide visitors an authentic glimpse into Crete’s rich culinary heritage? Guests can expect to learn about the intricate process of producing premium olive oil, a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, as they explore the farm’s picturesque grounds and witness the traditional methods employed by the Vasilakis family over generations.

Visitors will:

• Discover the history and significance of olive oil production in Crete.

• Observe the process of pressing olives into fragrant, high-quality oil.

• Sample various olive oil varieties and learn how to identify quality.

• Explore the olive groves and learn about sustainable farming practices.

• Enjoy a traditional Cretan lunch featuring the farm’s own olive oil products.

Visiting Panagia Kera Church

Along the tour’s scenic route, Panagia Kera Church stands as a captivating example of Byzantine architecture, inviting visitors to step into the spiritual heart of Crete’s rich cultural tapestry. This 13th-century Greek Orthodox church features striking frescoes that adorn its interior, offering a glimpse into the island’s deep-rooted religious traditions. Visitors can explore the church’s intricate iconography and learn about its historical significance as a place of devotion and community.

Architectural Features	Art and Iconography	Historical Significance
Byzantine-style design	Frescoed walls and ceilings	13th-century construction
Ornate exterior stonework	Detailed religious imagery	Center of local worship
Domed roofing structure	Preserved Byzantine influences	Ties to Crete’s cultural heritage
Intricate doorway carvings	Spiritual atmosphere and ambiance	Connection to island’s religious history

Discovering Spinalonga Island

Spinalonga Island stands as a captivating historical site, inviting visitors to explore its rich and somber past as a former leper colony. Accessible by a scenic boat tour, the island offers a poignant glimpse into the plight of those who were once sequestered here, their stories etched into the remnants of abandoned structures and fortifications.

Key highlights of a visit to Spinalonga include:

• Exploring the well-preserved Venetian architecture and ruins

• Learning about the island’s harrowing history as a leper colony from 1903 to 1957

• Visiting the Church of Agios Panteleimon, a symbol of hope and resilience

• Marveling at the stunning views of the Mirabello Bay and the surrounding Crete landscape

• Reflecting on the island’s bittersweet legacy and the human experience of isolation and resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Time Does the Tour Start?

The tour typically starts in the morning, with the pickup location being Heraklion. The exact start time is not specified, but it’s designed to allow ample time to explore the various stops along the itinerary during the 8-hour duration.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Different Group Sizes?

Yes, the tour can be customized for different group sizes. The price is quoted per group of up to 3 participants, so larger or smaller groups can be accommodated with adjusted pricing. The tour is flexible to meet the needs of each group.

Is There an Option for a Private Tour?

Yes, there is an option for a private tour. The tour is priced from $525.69 per group of up to 3 participants, allowing for customization to the group’s size and preferences. Private transportation and a dedicated guide are included in the tour package.

What Should I Bring for the Boat Tour to Spinalonga?

For the boat tour to Spinalonga, one should bring a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes. It’s also a good idea to bring a camera to capture the scenic views along the way. Bringing snacks or a light lunch is optional.

Are There Any Restrictions or Requirements for Visiting Spinalonga?

There are some restrictions for visiting Spinalonga. Visitors must obtain a ticket, which costs €8, and there’s a 75-minute exploration period. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as the island has uneven terrain. Certain areas may be off-limits for conservation purposes.

Recap

The ‘Crete: Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos and Olive Oil Farm Tour‘ offers an immersive experience that delves into Crete’s rich heritage.

From the poignant history of Spinalonga to the picturesque Agios Nikolaos Lake and the traditional olive oil production at Vasilakis Farm, this tour provides a comprehensive glimpse into the island’s cultural and historical treasures.

With convenient transportation and comprehensive inclusions, it’s an efficient way for travelers to discover Crete’s captivating essence.

You can check if your dates are available here: